Essay about Dna in Criminal Investigation - 1303 Words

Since its discovery in the 1980’s, the application of DNA has been utilized in many ways. When Deoxyribonucleic Acid, or DNA is examined, a precise decoding of genetic information is revealed. With the exception of identical twins, every person’s genetic code (commonly referred to as a Genetic Fingerprint) is inherited and unique. From Maury advising men everyday on TV â€Å"You ARE the Father!† or â€Å"You are NOT the Father!† to learning the descendents of former slaves are related to President Thomas Jefferson, we have come to rely upon and expect the accuracy of DNA. DNA almost immediately transformed the American Criminal Justice System. Law Enforcement, District Attorneys, Defense Attorneys, Criminal Court and Family Court all work†¦show more content†¦The rape victims told police their attacker was about 160 pounds; Anthony Capozzi weighed over 200 pounds. Capozzi has a prominent three inch scar on his face, but none of the rape victims re ported their attacker had a scar. Despite this all three victims identified Anthony Capozzi as the man who raped them. His case went to trial and he was convicted of two of the three rapes and sentenced to 35 years in prison. The only identification evidence introduced at trial was that of the victims. After he was convicted, Capozzi’s attorney is quoted in the Washington Post as saying, â€Å"Please don’t take comfort in the fact that Anthony Capozzi has been convicted of these two crimes, because he didn’t do them. Don’t feel that you can go running without company in Delaware Park.† Capozzi struggled with mental illness and served 15 years of his prison sentence in Central New York Psychiatric Center. Capozzi maintained his innocence, and for the 22 years while he was incarcerated his family never gave up hope. After Capozzi was incarcerated the rapes continued, and the Bike Path Rapist became the Bike Path Killer. In addition to a continuing se ries of rapes in the area, two University of Buffalo students and the wife of a University of Buffalo professor were all murdered. A combination of old fashioned detective work and the science of DNA helped to solve a case that has spanned over two decades and involved over twenty five victims. OnShow MoreRelated Use of DNA in Criminal Investigations Essay2863 Words   |  12 Pagesmain source of evidence. Notoriously unreliable, these techniques have since faded away to the stunning reliability of DNA forensics. In 1984, British geneticist Alec Jeffreys of the University of Leicester discovered an interesting new marker in the human genome. Most DNA information is the same in every human, but the junk code between genes is unique to every person. Junk DNA used for investigative purposes can be found in blood, saliva, perspiration, sexual fluid, skin tissue, bone marrow, dentalRead MoreGenetic Engineering And Forensic Criminal Investigations Through Dna Profiling1122 Words   |  5 PagesAcid (DNA). The discovery of the DNA structure by James Watson and Francis Crick was a major breakthrough in the study of science. DNA is found in all living organisms and transferred to the offspring of that organism and used in general scientific studies, their discovery of DNA has led to advancements in genetic engineering and forensic criminal investigations through DNA profiling; in contrast, it has also led to the exoneration of innocent people which have been accused of crimes. DNA profilingRead MoreDna And The Criminal Justice System872 Words   |  4 PagesDeoxyribonucleic Acid, otherwise known as DNA has played a crucial part in many investigations both past and present. It can be used to identify criminals when there is evidence left behind with incredible accuracy. DNA evidence is taken seriously enough that it can exonerate, or bring about a conviction. In Today’s society DNA evidence and technology is vital to the criminal justice system by ensuring accuracy and fairness. In 1984, Alec Jeffreys of the University of LeicesterRead MoreEssay on Criminal Investigations1096 Words   |  5 PagesCriminal Investigations are ways that crimes are looked at and criminals arrested (In Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 2011). It is a huge part of getting criminals off the street. Investigation is a crucial aspect for many different crimes such as, but not limited to, theft, robbery, burglary, arson, murder, and assault. Criminal Investigations can take days or up to many years to solve; some cases are never closed. Not only can investigations last for extended periods of time, the lives of those workingRead MoreInvestigation Of A Criminal Investigation Essay1447 Words   |  6 PagesInvestigation Research A criminal investigator can be described as an individual who collects, records, and analyzes evidence and information related to a criminal offense. The main goal of criminal investigation is to discover the truth regarding the events and processes that contributed to the occurrence of a criminal offense. Generally, the investigative process has four major objectives i.e. establishing the occurrence of an offense, determining and arresting the suspect, recovering stolenRead MoreA Research On Forensic Science1203 Words   |  5 Pagestangible objects related to criminal activity. As science expands in its research, it is applied to the forensics field. Among the most prevalent is biotechnology. Biotechnology was developed by the manipulation of biological elements and remains closely tied to society and it needs. Although many of the advances and discoveries are used to produce goods as foods, and medications many of the innovations benefit forensic science as well. The biggest c ontribution being DNA analysis, providing additionalRead MoreThe Uses Of Dn Dna Fingerprinting1486 Words   |  6 PagesTran Mr. Tucker AP Biology 26 August 2015 The Uses of DNA: DNA Fingerprinting Sir Alec Jeffreys’ 1984 discovery of DNA fingerprinting in England has revolutionized the criminal justice system by enabling legal entities to determine innocence or guilt of a suspect to a much higher level of accuracy(Butler). This discovery has also provided the ability to identify victims of natural disasters or catastrophes like 911(Lippincott). Additionally, DNA testing or profiling, has helped doctors and researchersRead MoreThe Effectiveness of DNA Profiling in Forensics Essay684 Words   |  3 Pagesgreatly enhanced by technology. DNA profiling is one of the technologies that has influenced efficiency and credibility of forensic evidence. The FBI first started using DNA in one of its cases in 1988. In Europe, the United Kingdom opened a DNA database in 1955 (Milena, 2006). The main use of the DNA is to compare the evidence collected at crime scene with the suspects. In addition, it helps to establish a connection between the evidence and the criminals. The investiga tions have been simplified throughRead MoreThe Importance Of Fingerprinting And Blood Testing712 Words   |  3 Pagesof this nature is critical to criminal proceedings; however, there is no testimony being taken; therefore, counseling is not needed because a defendant cannot refuse such testing on the grounds of the Fifth Amendment. Fingerprint identification evidence is equated with guilt, while the lack of fingerprint identification evidence infers a weakness in the prosecutions case (Lawson, 2013). â€Å"Fingerprint identification is one of the most important criminal investigation tools due to two features: theirRead MoreEssay about DNA, The New Crime Investigator1358 Words   |  6 PagesDNA, The New Crime Investigator Abstract What is DNA? The scientific definition is â€Å"deoxyribonucleic acid, the biological polymer that stores the genetic information in all free living organisms. Two linear molecules entwine to form the double helix. Now that the definition has been stated, let’s now define what DNA means to a crime scene or case investigator. In the law enforcement business DNA has been introduce as a revolutionary and efficient accurate tool to solve and crack modern and